A beginner’s guide to preparing South Asian cuisine

(NC) Canada’s cultural mosaic brings together flavours, ingredients and cuisine from around the world. Culinary exploration is an important part of the Canadian experience, and as the popularity of dishes like Butter Chicken shows, South Asian cuisine has become a national favourite.

While Canadians are familiar with South Asian flavours, some might not be familiar with key staples or ingredients. Here are a few commonly asked questions:

What is Masala?
Masala means “spice blend” in Hindi and it’s the essence of South Asian cooking. Masala is not one flavour—it’s an intense mix of spices used in nearly every South Asian dish. Not considered spicy, the mixtures add warmth, aroma and complexity. There are four common masala blends on South Asian menus which may sound familiar: Garam, Chaat, Tikka and Curry Masala.

What are common ingredients in South Asian cuisine?
Its spices set South Asian cooking apart, but many dishes have some ingredients in common, such as:

• Potatoes, known as aloo
• Paneer, a non-aged, non-melting cheese
• Chickpeas, known as chana
• Chicken, which translates to murgh
• Ghee, which is clarified butter

Where should I start with South Asian dishes?
Dishes with paneer, are a good way to dip your toe into South Asian flavours. It’s a South Asian comfort food that’s versatile and mild, plus it’s high in protein. Butter Chicken is another favourite. It’s probably the most popular South Asian dish in Canada, and a great entry into the cuisine. It features yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in a buttery and creamy tomato-based curry. The dish is commonly served with rice and naan—a soft flat bread perfect for dipping in the curry and wiping up every last drop.

Where can I try South Asian cuisine?
Many restaurants in Canada offer traditional cuisine of the region, but there are also options if you want to enjoy it at home. There are a number of grocery brands that allow you to add traditional sauces and spices to your own protein base, like chicken.

Many Canadians often don’t have the time or necessary ingredients to prepare South Asian meals from scratch. Prepared meals, like Maple Leaf Foods’ Musafir line, offer a way to enjoy dishes inspired by traditional South Asian cuisine.

There are more ways than ever before for Canadians to explore new flavours. South Asian cuisine has a rich variety of delicious dishes, many of which are high in protein, that can expand culinary horizons at any table.